The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office released more information on Friday about a violent road rage confrontation earlier this week.
Just before 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting at the intersection of Palmetto Road and A1A South.
According to the SJSO, the incident began as a road rage disturbance between two drivers. Deputies say the investigation revealed the first driver pointed a firearm at the second driver, who then called 911 to report the threat and began following the first driver, providing live location updates to dispatchers.
The first driver eventually pulled over to confront the second driver on Palmetto Road — while the second driver was still on the phone with dispatchers. The first driver exited his vehicle and approached the second driver’s car with a holstered firearm visible on his hip, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators say the confrontation escalated when the first driver punched the second driver’s window. The second driver then fired, shooting the first driver multiple times. The first driver remains hospitalized.
The SJSO Major Crimes Unit is continuing to investigate. Once complete, the facts and evidence will be forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for final review. No charges have been filed at this time.
Sheriff Rob Hardwick offered a pointed message following the incident.
“You can’t control other drivers, but you can control your reaction. These incidents turn into violence and can change lives forever. Let this be an example of why we should show patience to other drivers on the roadway,” Hardwick said.
Anyone who encounters an aggressive driver or witnesses a road rage incident is urged not to engage and to contact the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 904-824-8304.